In the past, when temp was >80 degrees, I passed on running outside. I’d walk but not run. Last night I ran anyway. I was able to run the first 1.5 miles without stopping. Breathing was much easier – maybe because of the humidity. It was a bit warm but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.

I knew when I stopped to walk at 1.5 miles, it would be harder to start up again. Which it was. By keeping a slow steady pace, I was able to go up and down hills without stopping – (big surprise in the heat). Breathing much less labored – did the usual 2 breathes in 2 out with the cadence of my pace.

It wasn’t a hilly route, but by looking at the elevation changes, you can see it wasn’t completely flat either.

For the next 4 to 5 weeks, I am focusing in on running comfortably for 3 to 4 miles but picking up pace so by mid June I’m able to run those miles at a 12 minute pace – 11 would even be better but we’ll see. Mid June begins the official marathon training schedule. That starts with weekly mileage averages of 30 and then building with the first long run for me will be 6 miles.

The long runs for each week also grows each week by a mile until reaching the final long run of 20 miles. Twenty miles – a visual for those familiar with JC is from The Capital Mall to Capital Projects and back again. That long run will be October 7th. That’s 21 weeks from this Sunday. Also, the Sunday before my biggest event in KC. If running it at a 12 minute pace I should complete it in 4 hours.

I am not going to focus on that – just on each week by themselves and hitting the goal set for that week. Breaking it down and not getting overwhelmed. This will be my moment of truth. This is it…